THE VISION BEHIND THE SPLASHPAD
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in California is set within a striking desert landscape surrounded by wildlife and natural scenery. Known for its focus on conservation, education, and immersive experiences, the zoo wanted to create a feature that would let guests cool off, interact with water, and enjoy a playful attraction that complemented the surrounding environment.
The result was the Oasis Splash Pad, a feature where water, light, and play meet in the heart of the desert. Designed as a dual-purpose attraction, the splashpad captivates visitors both day and night. During the day, it offers families a refreshing escape from the desert heat through lively water effects and interactive elements. For special events at night, it transforms into a stage for colourful light shows and evening programming, with lighting playing as vital a role as the water itself.
This vision came to life through collaboration among several dedicated partners. The Living Desert provided the concept, PVG Architects guided the integration into the landscape, and California Waters served as the design-build contractor. Crystal Fountains supplied the water feature products, assisted in lighting integration and effect matching, and provided remote commissioning support. Together, the team created an experience that continues to engage guests day and night.
FROM VISION TO REALITY
A LASTING EXPERIENCE
The Oasis Splash Pad has grown into a favourite gathering place at The Living Desert. By day, families enjoy a cool, playful escape from the desert heat, and by night, the space transforms through colour and light into a lively visual experience. The thoughtful integration of water and lighting design has made it both a dependable feature and a memorable part of every visitor’s time at the zoo.
All photos of The Living Desert Zoo and Garden were taken by, and are the property of PVG Architects.
Share this project with your colleagues and network.
What makes a splash pad design suitable for hot climates?
Splash pads in high-temperature regions use low-flow jets, timed activations, shaded areas, and durable surface materials. These features help manage water use, heat exposure, and overall visitor comfort.
How is safety maintained in public splash pads?
Safety is managed through non-slip surfacing, rounded spray elements, and automated water-quality monitoring. Continuous filtration and disinfection help maintain clean, safe water for public use.
Can splash pads be customized for themed environments like zoos or resorts?
Yes. Splash pads can be customized with themed spray features, lighting, and interactive sequences that complement a site’s story, brand, or environment—such as desert oases, wildlife parks, or resort plazas.
What kind of maintenance do splash pads require?
Maintenance typically includes cleaning spray nozzles, inspecting pumps and filters, testing water chemistry, and performing seasonal checks to ensure performance and safety.
What role does Crystal Fountains play in splash pad design and engineering?
Crystal Fountains provides full water-feature design and engineering services—from hydraulic layout and product selection to control programming and system integration—collaborating with landscape architects and site designers to deliver reliable, interactive experiences.
